Monday, February 16, 2009

Vena Cava Fall 09

Has Vena Cava gone punk? Not exactly. Still the always edgy but pretty line took a darker route this season with exposed zippers, asymmetrically pleated coats, metallic fringe and stone wash printed leggings. Although designers Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock cited the geology exhibits at the Natural History Museum as their inspiration (they even titled the collection, Crystalarium) I saw a lot in the collection that claimed the eighties as its muse.

Whatever they were thinking the more ambitious outing worked well thanks to their ability to take classic silhouettes and embellish them with extraordinary detailing. My favorite piece was the sheer almond scarf perfect for draping over an evening ensemble on an Indian summer night.